Washing apparatus



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T DEE WASHHNG APPARATUS Jesse Eli. Clark, Dicero,

llllt, assignor to Walker Dishwasher (Corporation, @hicago, 11111., a corporatiori of Delaware Application March M,

1933, Serial No. 660,681

Renewed December 12, 11.934

7 Claims.

This invention relates to washing apparatus, more particularly to dishwashing apparatus, and has for its object the provision of improved apparatus of this character.

More specifically, the invention relates to dishwashing apparatus wherein a cleansing fluid, such as water, is circulated in a washing vat through dish supporting racks by means of suitable powerdriven means, such as a motor-driven impeller, and has as one of its objects the provision of improved means for supplying the washing vat with a predetermined quantity of cleansing fluid so that the most eificient cleansing action will be effected.

Another object of the invention is the provision of suitable control means for the fluid supply means and also for the drainage means provided for the vat, whereby a predetermined cleansing cycle can be effected in a simple, reliable and eflicient manner.

In accordance with the invention, suitable valves are provided for controlling fluid supply and drain conduits communicating with the vat. Each of these valves is controlled by means of a suitable electro-responsive device, preferably arranged so that the inlet valve will be opened when its controlling electro-responsive device is energized, whereas the drain valve will be closed when its elec'tro-respon'sive device is energized.

Operably associated with the drain valve closure mechanism is a third electro-responsive device which is arranged to be energized in accordance with the load imposed on the fluid circulating means, morespecifically, in accordance with the magnitude of the armature current of the impeller driving motor. This electro-responsive device is arranged to control the energization of the fluid supply electro-responsive device so that when a predetermined quantity of water has been supplied to the vat, the inlet valve will be operated to close.

The third electro-responsive device, however, by reason of its operable connection with the drain valve is not rendered effective to control the operation of the inlet valve in the above manner until the drain valve has been closed. In other words, as long as the drain valve is open, fluid may be supplied to the vat continuously because the water suppliedcan flow freely through to the drain. However, when the drain valve is closed, the electro-responsive device is conditioned to control the inlet valve operating electro-responsive device so as to effect the closure of the inlet valve when a predetermined quantity of (Cl. iii-9) fluid has been supplied to and allowed to accumulate within the vat.

A suitable multi-position switch is provided for controlling the energization of the impeller motor and the electro-responsive devices so that a ti predetermined cleansing cycle can be effected merely by moving the switch to its controlling positions.

For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference should be had to the accompanying drawing in which Fig. l is a fragmentary elevation of dishwashihg apparatus embodying the invention, portions being shown in section and portions being" broken away so as to illustrate certain structural details; Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1, together with control mechanism therefor arranged in accordance with the invention; and Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a portion of the apparatus shown in Fig. 2, but in a different operative condition.

Referring to the drawing, the invention is shown 'in one form in connection with dishwashing apparatus comprising an upright washing chamber or vat 10 for receiving dishes and like utensils to be cleansed, and also some suitable washing fluid, such as hot cleansing water. The vat 10 is provided with an inverted frusto-conical bottom wall 11, preferably formed integrally with the side walls of the vat. While the vat together with its bottom wall may be made of any suitable material, these members preferably will be formed of some suitable metal, such as a rustresisting steel, which preferably willbe plated or enameled.

It will be understood that suitable open-work trays or baskets will be provided in the vat for supporting the dishes, silverware, and other utensils to be washed. Since the specific structure of these trays forms no part of the present invention it has been deemed unnecessary to illustrate them. These trays preferably will be so arranged that they may be lifted out of the vat so that they may be loaded and unloaded in or out of the vat as is most convenient.

It will also be understood that the vat 10 will be provided with a suitable supporting framework or structure (not shown) so as to be held in a substantially vertical position and at a convenient height.

In the lower portion of the vat 10 and preferably arranged so as to be substantially embraced by the bottom wall 11 is a suitable impeller 12. This impeller is driven by a suitable electric ill -electric supply 18 (Fig. 2).

motor 13 arranged on the exterior of the vat be neath its bottom wall 11.

The impeller 12 is provided with blades 12a which may have any suitable shape, the important feature being that the blades be given a shape such that cleansing fluid supplied to the vat and allowed to accumulate in the lower portions thereof will be thrown or hurled upwardly and outwardly in an eiiicient manner through the dish-supporting trays or baskets by the rotary motion of the impeller. The impeller will be formed from some suitable material, such as cast aluminum, or some suitable pressed sheet material.

The bottom wall 11 of the vat is provided with a centrally arranged circular opening 14 for receiving a circular bushing 15. This bushing, as shown, is provided with a head or flange 15a which rests on a ledge formed from the material of the bottom wall surrounding the opening 14. The bushing extends downwardly through the opening 14. Supported on this portion projecting from the vat is a suitable frame 16, secured to the bushing in any suitable manner, as by means of a plurality of circumferentially spaced set screws 17. The motor 13 is secured to the frame by means of suitable screw fastening means (not shown). The motor is supported so that its shaft rotates substantially in the vertical central axis of the vat. It will be understood that the motor shaft will be passed into the vat through an aperture provided for it in the center of the bushing, and will be connected with the impeller 12 in any suitable manner. The motor 13 may be any suitable electric motor and is supplied from a suitable source of In order to supply the vat 10 with a cleansing fluid, a source of supply 20 of the particular cleansing fluid is provided. For example, if the cleansing fluid be water, the source of supply 20 will be a supply of water, preferably heated. A conduit 21 connects the source of supply 20 with the vat, this conduit, as shown, communicating with the vat through its lower wall 11.

In order to control the flow of fluid from the source 20 through the conduit 21 to the vat, a valve 22 is provided in the conduit 21 so as to connect it with the source 20. As shown, this valve is arranged in a housing 23, and co-operates with a port 24 provided in the housing between the source 20 and the conduit 21. The valve 22, as shown, is biased to its closed position by means of a suitable compression spring 25, and by the Pressure of the water in the inlet conduit 20 when the valve is closed.

The valve 22 is operated to its open position against the force of the spring 25 by means of an electro-responsive device 28, shown as an electromagnet. The armature 27 of this electro-magnet is arranged to operate the valve to its open position when the lever 28 pivotally connected to the valve housing. This lever is arranged to engage the valve. and open it when moved in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 1. The lever 28 is connected with the armature 27 of the electro-magnet by means of a link 30 so that when the armature is retracted by the electro-magnet it will operate the valve to its open position. The armature 27, as shown, is biased to its extended position by means of a suitable tension spring 31. As shown. a small gap or space is provided between the lever 28 and the valve stem so that when the mflxnet 26 is energized the lever will accelerate to give magnet is energized by means of a conduits is provided at its upper end with a portion 33a turned inwardly toward the center of the vat where it communicates with a chamber 34. This chamber 34 in turn communicates with a vertically arranged conduit 35 which communicates with and supports a reaction spray device 36. By reason of the foregoing arrangement, water which is supplied to the vat from the conduit 21 will flow upwardly through the conduits 33 and the conduit 35 to the spray device 36, which will hurl the water through all portions of the vat in spray form. This particular fluid supply means comprising the conduits 33, the chamber 34, the conduit 35 and the spray device 36 is described and claimed in my copending application Serial No. 653,243, filed January 24, 1933 and assigned to the same assignee as this invention.

Arranged in the lowermost portion of the bottom wall 11 of the vat is a drain port 40 which is provided with a drain valve 41. The drain port 40 communicates with a drain chamber 42 which, as shown, communicates with the intake of a suitable pump 43. The discharge of this pump is in fluid communication with a drain conduit 44. This conduit 44 may lead to any suitable drain. For example, it may lead to the ordinary kitchen sink, or it may communicate with the drainage fixture of the sink, or any other suitable drain. The impeller 45 of this pump, as shown, is mechanically connected to be driven by the impeller driving motor 13 through a belt drive 46.

The drain valve 41 is carried on a lever 47 which is pivotally mounted on the brackets 48 arranged on the exterior of the drain housing 42; as shown, the lever 47 is mounted on a suitable shaft 50 which in turn is carried by the bracket 48.

The valve 41 is biased to its open position by means of a suitable spring 51, which is mechanically connected to the valve lever 47 through the medium of a lever 52; this lever 52 may be rigidly connected to the lever 47, or may be rigidly connected with the shaft 50 which in turn will be rigidly connected with the lever 47, so that the levers 47 and 52 move together as a rigid structure.

The valve 41 is moved to its closed position against the bias of the tension spring 51 by means of an electro-responsive device 53, shown as an electro-magnet. The armature 54 of this magnet is mechanically connected with one end of the lever 52 by means of a link 55 and a tension spring 56 so that when the armature is retracted by its electro-magnet, it will move the lever 52 in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. l, and hence, move the valve to its closed position. It is preferable to interpose the spring 56 between the lever 55 and the armature of the electromagnet to provide forany inaccuracies in the construction of the valve and its electro-magnetic operating device which might prevent the armature 54 from being completely retracted with the result that the operating coil of the magnet might become overheated and burned out.

The two electro-magnetic devices 26 and 53 provided for the inlet and drain valves respecimpeller 12.

The electro-magnetic device 58 is controlled so that when the inlet valve 22 has been moved to its open position to allow fluid to fiow into the' vat, and then the drain valve 41 has been closed so as to allow fluid to accumulate in the vat, the inlet valve will be closed thereafter when a predetermined quantity of water has been allowed to accumulate in the vat, i. e., when a predetermined load has been imposed on the impeller motor 13 and a predetermined armature current has been demanded by the motor to meet this load. The operating coil 60 of the electro-magnetic device 58 is arranged to attract the armature 61 of the device when the coil is energized. The armature 61 controls a suitable pivotally mounted switch arm 62 that carries a contact 63 arranged to cooperate with contacts 64. The armature 61 and the switch arm 62 are mechanically connected by a tension spring 65 which, as shown, biases the armature away from the magnet and the switch arm 62 in a direction to open the contacts 63 and 64. When the armature 61 is in its open position, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and the arm 62 is moved to close the contacts 63 and 64, the armature will engage the switch arm 62 to latch the switch contacts in their closed position, as clearly shown in Fig. 3. The arm 62 will be released when the magnet is energized sufficiently to attract the armature 61.

The switch contacts 63 and 64 are electrically connected to control the energization of the electro-magnet 26 under certain conditions of operation, as will be pointed out in greater detail hereinafter.

It is to be noted at this point, however, that the bridging contact 63 is moved to close the contacts 64 when the drain valve 41 is moved to its closed position. For this purpose, the lever 52 carries a suitable latch 68 biased in a counterclockwise direction against a stop 70 on the lever 52 by means of a suitable tension spring 71, as clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The latch 68 is provided with an abutment 72 which is so arranged that when the lever 52 is moved in a clockwise direction to close the drain valve 41 it will engage the switch arm 62 so as to move the bridging contact 63 to close the contacts 64. It will be observed that after the switch contacts have been closed and have been latched in their closed position by means of the armature 61, the abutment 72 will ride off of the switch arm 62, as shown in Fig. 3.

The latch 68 is provided with a second abutment 73 at its upper end, which is arranged to engage the armature 61 under certain conditions of operation, as will be pointed out in greater detail hereinafter.

In Fig. 2 is shown diagrammatically the electrical connections between controlling switch 57 and the electro-magnetic devices 26, 53 and 58, and also between the electro-magnetic device 58 and its controlled electro-magnetic device 26.

Assuming that the various elements are in their respective positions shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the operation of the washing apparatus is as follows:

Assuming that the dishes and utensils to be washed have been placed within the washing vat, the switch arm '74 will be moved from its Oil to its No. 1 position, i. e. to its Rinse" position. In this position of the switch arm, the impellerdriving motor 13 W11 be energized through a circuit which may be traced from the upper conductor of the supply source 18 through the switch contact 75, switch contact 75a, conductor 76, and thence through the field and armature of the motor 13 and a conductor 78 to the lower conductor of the supply source 18. An energizing circuit will also be completed for the operating coil of the electro-magnet 26 from the upper conductor of the supply source 18, through the switch .contact 75, the switch contact 79, the conductor 80, and thence through the operating coil of the electro-magnet 26 to the lower conductor of the supply source 18.

By reason of the foregoing operation of the switch from its Off to its Rinse position, therefore, the motor 13 will have been energized and the inlet valve 22 will have been opened so as to allow fluid to flow from the supply source into the vat.

This water supplied to the vat cannot accumulate in the vat because the drain valve 41 will be held in its open position by its spring 51. And so, the water which issues from the reaction spray device 36 and is hurled over and about the dishes and other utensils in the vat will efiect merely a preliminary rinsing action on them, and when it falls into the bottom of the vat will find its way into the drain 42 from which it will be forced into the drain conduit a l by the pump 43. The pump, of course, will be continuously operated as long as the impeller motor 13 is operating.

When it is desired to eifect the washing action proper, the switch arm 74 will be moved to its second controlling position, i. e., to the Wash position. In this position of the switch arm, the motor 13 will remain energized, but through a circuit which includes the operating coil of the electro-magnet 58; this circuit may be traced from the upper conductor of the supply source 18, through the switch contact 81, switch contact 82, a conductor 83, operating coil 60, a conductor 84 and thence through the field and armature windings of the motor 13 and the conductor '78 to the lower conductor of the supply source. The electromagnet 53 of the drain valve will be energized through a circuit which may be traced from the upper conductor of the supply source 18,

through the switch contact 81, the switch contact 82, a conductor 85, a conductor 86, and thence through the operating coil of the electromagnet 53 to the lower conductor of the supply source 18.

In response to the energization of its coil the electromagnet 53 will operate to close the drain valve 41 and at the same time will move the latch.-

68 upwardly to close the contacts 63 and 64 of the electromagnetic device 58. The energizing circuit for the coil of the electromagnet 26 for the inlet valve will now be included through these contacts 63 and 64. This circuit may be traced from the upper conductor of the supply source through the switch contact 81, the switch contact 82, the conductor 85, a conductor 8'7, the closed contacts 63 and 64, a conductor 88, a conductor 89, and thence through the conductor 80 and the operating coil of the electro-magnet 26 to the lower conductor of the supply source 18.

Therefore, the inlet valve 22 will still be held in itsopen position to allow water to continue to flow into the vat.

description that I By reason of the fact that the drain valve 41 is now closed, the water which is supplied to the vat from the inlet will no longer flow into the drain, but will accumulate in the vat. The impeller 12 engages the water as it accumulates so as to hurl it upwardly and outwardly in the vat.

As water continues to flow into the vat it imposes a gradually increasing load on the impeller 12 and hence upon its driving motor 13. This, of course, will gradually increase the magnitude of the armature current of the motor. Eventually, upon the'occurrence of a predetermined load on the predetermined quantity of water has been supplied to the vat, the armature current will attain such a magnitude that the operating coil 60 of the electro-magnetic device 58 will be energized sufiiciently to attract its armature 61.

ting oil" the supply of water to the vat. As long as the switch arm 74 remains in its Wash position the impeller 12 will engage the water so as to hurl it upwardly and outwardly in the vat and thereby effect a thorough washing action on the dishes.

When the washing operation has been cometed, and it is desired to drain the vat the switch arm, the electro-magnet 53 for the drain valve 41 will be deenergized so as to permit the closed position; and the energizing circuit for the impeller driving motor 13 will be completed through the switch contacts and 91. Under these conditions, therefore, the pump 43 will be operated to pump the water from the vat. When the vat has been emptied the switch 74 may be moved to its 01f position to deenergize the motor.

If desired, the switch may be returned to the Rinse position so as to eifect a final rinse on the dishes.

It will be observed that when the switch arm 74 is in its Wash position so as to effect the washing action proper, and that if the switch then be moved from this to another controlling positionto the Off position, for examplt before the predetermined quantity of water has been supplied, the contacts 63 and 64 will be latched in position by the armature 61.

provided on the latch 68 is provided to release the contacts when latched under these conditions. This abutment is arranged to move the armature 61 so as to release the switch arm 62 when the electro-magnet 53 is deenergized by movement of the switch 74 from its Wash position.

switch arm 62, as shown in Fig. 2.

It will be observed in view of the foregoing have provided dishwashing apparatus having an improved control, whereby by means of a simple, single manually operable impeller 12, that is, when 8.-

multi-position switch several cleansing actions can be had including preliminary and final rinses besides the washing operation proper; and that when it is desired to effect the washing operation proper it is merely necessary to move the switch to its Wash position which operation will effect the automatic closure of the drain valve and the automatic measuring of a predetermined quantity of cleansing water. My washing apparatus, therefore, is both simple and flexible in its control.

While I have shown a particular embodiment of my invention, it will be understood, of course, that I do not wish to be limited thereto since many modifications may be made, and I, therefore, contemplate by the appended claims to cover any such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of my invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is:

1. Dishwashing apparatus comprising a vat, fluid circulating means in said vat, power operating means for said fluid circulating means, fluid supply conduit means for said vat, valve means controlling said conduit means, means for draining said vat, valve means controlling said draining means, means for operating said drain valve means and control means for said fluid supply valve means operably associated with said drain valve means so as to be conditioned to control said supply valve means by the operation of said drain valve means to close said draining means, and further, operably associated with said power operating means to respond to a condition of operation thereof that varies as the quantity of fluid in said vat varies so as to control said fluid supply valve means to stop the flow of fluid in said supply conduit means when a predetermined quantity of water has been supplied to said vat subsequent to the closure of said draining valve means.

2. Dishwashing apparatus comprising a washing vat, fluid circulating means in said vat, a motor for driving said fluid circulating means, a fluid supply conduit communicating with said vat,

tive by the operation of said drain valve to close said drain valve, and operably associated with said motor to respond to a condition of operation thereof that varies as the load imposed on said motor in opersaid vat, means controlling the operation of said drain valve and control means for said inlet valve controlling means operably associated with said drain valve controlling means so as to be rendered effective to control said inlet valve means upon creases so as to close said inlet valve to stop the flow of fluid in said supply conduit, subsequent to the operation of said drain valve to close, when a predetermined quantity of fluid has been supplied to said vat.

, 4. Dishwashing apparatus comprising a washing vat, fluid circulating means in said vat, a motor for driving said fluid circulating means, a fluid supply conduit communicating with said vat, a valve controlling said conduit, electro-responsive means controlling said inlet valve, a drain valve for said vat, electro-responsive means controlling said drain valve, switching means controlling both of said electro-responsive means so that when said switching means is in one operating position said electro-responsive control means for said inlet valve is operated to open said inlet valve and in another operatingposition said electro-responsive control means for said drain valve is operated to close said drain valve and an electro-responsive device responsive to the armature current of said motor and rendered effective by the switch when in said last-named position to control said inlet valve electro-responsive control means so that said inlet valve is closed when the armature current attains a predetermined magnitude.

5. Dishwashing apparatus comprising a vat, fluid circulating means in said vat, a motor for driving said fluid circulating means, fluid inlet and drain conduits for said vat, fluid inlet and drain valves controlling said conduits respectively, electro-responsive means controlling said valves, a multi-position switch controlling said electro-responsive means and means electrically responsive to the armature current of said motor and controlled by said drain valve controlling means arranged to control the electro-responsive controlling means for said inlet valve.

6. Dishwashing apparatus comprising a vat, fluid circulating means in said vat, a motor for driving said fluid circulating means, inlet and drain conduits for said vat, valves controlling said conduits, an electro-magnetic device controlling the operation or" said inlet valve, a second electro-magnetic device controlling the operation of said drain valve, a multi-position switch controlling said electro-magnetic devices so that in one position of said switch said first electro-magnetic device is energized to open said inlet valve to allow fluid to flow to said vat and in another position of said switch both of said electro-magnetic devices are energized so that said inlet valve is open and said drain valve is closed, a third electro-magnetic device operably associated with said motor so as to be energized in accordance with the magnitude of the armature current of said motor and operably associated with said drain valve so that when the latter is operated to its closed position, said device is rendered effective to control said first-named electro-magnetic device so as to cause said inlet valve to be moved to its closed position when a predetermined quantity of water has accumulated in said vat subsequent to the closure of said drain valve.

'7. Dishwashing apparatus comprising a vat, a fluid circulating impeller in said vat, a motor for driving said impeller, inlet and drain conduits for said vat, valves controlling said conduits, an electro-magnetic device controlling the operation of said inlet valve, a second electro-magnetic device controlling the operation of said drain valve, a switch in the energizing circuit of said first-named electro-magnetic device, an operable connection between said switch and said drain valve arranged so that when said drain valve is moved to its closed position said switch is moved to its closed position, an electro-magnetic device connected in the armature circuit of said motor controlling said switch so that it is operated in accordance with the magnitude of the armature current of said motor to open said switch when the armature current of said motor attains a predetermined magnitude, a multi-position switch controlling the energization of said impeller motor andsaid electro-magnetic devices for operating said inlet and drain valves so that in one position of said switch, said motor is energized and said electro-magnetic device for said'inlet valve is energized to operate said valve to its open position independently of said first mentioned switch, and in another position of said multiposition switch said electro-magnetic device for said drain valve is energized to operate the drain valve to its closed position and to close said first mentioned switch, whereby said electro-magnetic device for said inlet valve is energized through said first mentioned switch to hold said valve open, and is subsequently deenergized by the opening of said first mentioned switch to effect the closing of said valve when a predetermined quantity of water has been supplied to said vat, and in still another position of said multi-position switch said drain valve is moved to its open position so as to allow the vat to drain.

JESSE H. CLARK. 

